Source: Fox News

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Monday expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for Moscow’s continued support of Tehran, as the two officials met in St. Petersburg for talks.

At the start of the meeting, Araghchi emphasized the strength of ties between the two countries, describing their relationship as a strategic partnership at the highest level.

“I was asked to confirm during this visit that Russian-Iranian relations continue to be a strategic partnership at the highest level. This is the way we will move forward,” Araghchi said.

He also underscored Russia’s backing of Iran during challenging periods, highlighting the importance of alliances.

“It was proven to everyone that Iran has friends and allies, such as Russia, who stand by Iran during difficult times. We thank you for your firm position in support of Iran,” he added.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, met with congressional leaders on Capitol Hill on Monday to discuss the Pentagon’s budget and defense priorities.

The meetings included lawmakers from the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, as well as defense appropriations panels.

According to reports, discussions focused on defense spending levels and how resources should be allocated across the armed forces.

The briefings come at a time of U.S. military operations and tensions in the Middle East.

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov met with Iran’s Deputy Defense Minister Reza Talaei-Nik on Monday, according to Russia’s state-run TASS news agency.

Iran International reported that Belousov reaffirmed Moscow’s position that the war in Iran should be resolved exclusively through diplomatic means.

Belousov said he was confident Russia and Iranwould continue to support one another, the outlet said.

Talaei-Nik also traveled to Belarus, where he discussed the war with Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin, Belarus’ Defense Ministry said.

The ministry, quoted by state news agency BelTA, said both sides agreed the only way to resolve the conflict was through “a political-diplomatic settlement” and negotiations.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Monday that the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports is beginning to cripple the country’s oil sector, warning production could soon “collapse” and trigger gasoline shortages.

“While the surviving IRGC Leaders are trapped like drowning rats in a sewage pipe, Iran’s creaking oil industry is starting to shut in production thanks to the U.S. BLOCKADE,” Bessent said in a post on X.

“Pumping will soon collapse. GASOLINE SHORTAGES IN IRAN NEXT!” Bessent added

French President Emmanuel Macron said Monday he will speak with Iran in the coming days and press for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

“We have established a coalition whose purpose is precisely to ensure security — to secure and stabilize, and to demonstrate that the international community supports reopening the Strait of Hormuz. I hope we will be able to convince the stakeholders in the coming days,” he told reporters, according to the Times of Israel.

France’s Foreign Minister also said Iran must be prepared to make “major concessions” in talks to end the ongoing crisis.

“There can be no lasting solution to this crisis unless the Iranian regime agrees to major concessions and a radical shift in its stance,” Jean-Noël Barrot told a UN Security Council session.

Iran offers open Strait of Hormuz, urges US to end blockade, officials say

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